Google Ordered to Pay $314 Million for Unauthorized Mobile Data Usage

Web Editor

July 1, 2025

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Background on the Case

In a San Jose, California courtroom, a jury ruled that Google must compensate Android device users in the state for sending and receiving data from inactive devices without consent. The decision stems from a class-action lawsuit alleging that Google misused its customers’ mobile data for targeted advertising and other purposes, consuming users’ cellular data without their knowledge or permission.

Key Parties Involved

Google: A subsidiary of Alphabet, Google is one of the world’s leading technology companies, known for its search engine, Android operating system, and various other digital services.

Plaintiffs: The lawsuit was filed on behalf of approximately 14 million California residents who use Android devices.

Jury’s Decision

The jury agreed with the plaintiffs that Google was responsible for transmitting and receiving data from inactive devices without consent, imposing what the lawsuit termed “mandatory and unavoidable burdens” on Android device users for Google’s benefit.

Google’s Response

A Google spokesperson, José Castañeda, stated that the company would appeal the decision and claimed that it “misinterprets services that are fundamental to the security, performance, and reliability of Android devices.”

Plaintiffs’ Attorney’s Statement

Glen Summers, the attorney for the plaintiffs, said that the verdict “vigorously vindicates the merits of this case and reflects the gravity of Google’s misconduct.”

Lawsuit Details

The class-action lawsuit was filed in a California state court in 2019, alleging that Google collected data from inactive Android devices for its own purposes, such as targeted advertising. The plaintiffs argued that this practice consumed users’ cellular data without their consent or knowledge, violating their privacy rights.

Google maintained that no users were harmed by the data transfers and that users had given their consent through the company’s terms of service and privacy policies.

Related Cases

Another lawsuit, filed in a federal court in San Jose, presents similar claims on behalf of Android users in the other 49 states. The trial is scheduled for April 2026.

Key Questions and Answers

  • What is the lawsuit about? The class-action lawsuit alleges that Google misused its customers’ mobile data for targeted advertising and other purposes without their consent, consuming users’ cellular data.
  • Who are the key parties involved? Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet, and approximately 14 million California residents who use Android devices are the main parties involved.
  • What did the jury decide? The jury ruled that Google must compensate Android device users in California for sending and receiving data from inactive devices without consent.
  • What is Google’s response? Google plans to appeal the decision, stating that it misinterprets essential services provided by Android devices.
  • What are the related cases? Another lawsuit, filed in a federal court in San Jose, presents similar claims on behalf of Android users in the other 49 states. The trial is scheduled for April 2026.